How to Create “Tiny Advantages” and Crush Your Opponents

Rule #1: Make sure all of your pieces are protected.

There are exceptions to this rule but in general just make sure you aren’t leaving anything hanging, that is, in such a way that the opponent can take it without being forced to “pay” for it.

The next technique is the one that most beginners don’t know…but it’s really important. Basically, accumulate tiny advantages throughout the game.

An example is to have your rook on an open file, or to have a less exposed king than the other guy. Or to have a pawn that has no other pawns in front of it (so it can get to the other side more easily).

The idea is that while you are accumulating these tiny advantages, your opponent realizes you are crushing him when your advantage is overwhelming.